Whitehaven Coal found a cool way to mark a safety milestone this month with the presentation of eskies to the Narrabri Coal Handling and Preparation Plant.
The team at the Narrabri plant recorded more than 5000 days without a lost time injury – 60 months free of total recordable injuries dating back to the opening of the facility in 2010.
There were 205 lost time injuries throughout the 2022-23 year across the New South Wales mining industry, according to the most recent statistics available from the 2022-23 Mine Safety Performance Report by the NSW Resources Regulator.
In that year, there was also one fatality, 83 serious injuries and 767 total recordable injuries.
“The total number of serious injuries have decreased, representing the lowest number since 2017–18,” the report noted.
“Lost time injuries have also decreased, with the lowest number seen in the past 10 years. This continues a steady decline in overall industry frequency rates observed since 2013–14.”
Whitehaven’s Gunnedah Coal Handling and Preparation Plant marked 4000 lost time injury-free days in January last year.
Whitehaven surface operations manager Ashley Howland said the latest milestone at the Narrabri Coal Handling and Preparation Plant showed the commitment to safety by each member of the team.
“Since we processed the first coal on 5th July 2010, our team has operated without a single lost time injury,” Mr Howland said.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the proactive safety culture we’ve worked so hard to build. Beyond the numbers, it’s also a reflection of how we look out for each other, ensuring safety is always our top priority – both at work and at home.
“This success is the result of everyone’s diligence, vigilance, and dedication. Whether it’s the crews operating on the front lines, maintaining equipment, or supporting operations, our commitment to safety ensures that we continue to thrive without incident.”
Whitehaven presented each member of the team with an esky.
Mr Howland said Whitehaven recognised there was always more that could be done when it came to safety.
Top image: Staff from Whitehaven’s Narrabri Coal Handling and Preparation Plant were each presented with an esky to mark 5000 days without a lost time injury. (Image: Whitehaven Coal)
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